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Pre-Trip Checklist

Lucky you! You’re going on a Shark Tagging Trip. Here’s what you need to know:

The Basics of Shark Research

Sets of ten drumlines are deployed in strategic locations at the study site. A drumline is a stationary, self-contained fishing unit comprised of a baited circle hook on monofilament fishing line attached via swivel to heavy weight, which is attached to a set of floats signaling its location. The swivel allows for hooked fish to swim freely around the weight in large circles, passing water through its gills and reducing stress.

After the drumlines are deployed, they are allowed to soak for at least one hour, during which all personnel are briefed on duties to be performed when a shark is caught. Sites are revisited in the same order as deployment, and if there is a shark on the line, it is safely brought aboard for sampling and tagging.

Sharks are brought onto a partially submerged platform on the back of the boat, where a water pump is placed in its mouth for continued breathing.

The shark is restrained while staff takes various length measurements. A small fin clip from the dorsal fin is taken for ecotoxicology analysis. In addition, a biopsy of muscle tissue is extracted for mercury content and other toxicology tests. A tag is inserted into the shark’s dorsal fin rays for identification. Information such as the shark’s sex, sexual maturity, species, etc. is recorded for each individual caught. Environmental conditions are also recorded at each drumline site. The shark is released back into the water within three-five minutes, and its release condition recorded.

To help secure large sharks on the platform, investigators occasionally enter the water during sampling. They also may remain in the water during the shark’s release to monitor and record its condition. All in-water related activities are dependent on clear water conditions. Only snorkeling equipment is permitted when in the water.

A Typical Shark Tagging Trip

The day begins at Diver’s Paradise on Key Biscayne, FL at 8:00 am. The shark team is already hard at work, loading the research gear onto the large dive boat. We then complete a short checklist, ensure all paperwork is in order, and then depart into the blue ocean hoping to find some sharks.

As we slowly make our way out into deeper waters, the shark team gives a quick briefing of the day’s activities. They provide a global conservation context to the shark research, instilling a strong sense of purpose. They then explain and demonstrate the research procedures, such as setting the fishing lines, baiting the hook, sampling, tagging, and releasing the shark. At this point, participants will have a better understanding of their specific roles during the tagging process.

When we arrive at the pre-determined fishing site, the team begins organizing the first set of fishing lines. Participants are invited to assist in the process, especially with hooking the yummy bait! As the drumlines are set into place, an intern will record the type of bait being used, and current environmental conditions. Once all the gear is in the water, we have approximately one hour to eat lunch while we give the sharks a chance to find the bait.

Now that everyone has had lunch, it’s time to see if we caught anything. When we return to our fishing site and begin pulling in each drumline, the real workout begins. Forget the gym, just help pull these 40 lb. weighted fishing lines up to the boat! If we are lucky, a big shark will be waiting on the other end. Please keep in mind there are times when we only pull in a few sharks, or none at all. But no data is still data. There are other times when every line has a shark.

As we pull in the sharks throughout the day, the participants will know their role and quickly assist in the tagging process, allowing for a rapid and healthy release back into the ocean. The shark team will also point out interesting characteristics of the animals, turning our vessel into a floating classroom.

If we come across a large Tiger, Hammerhead, or Bull shark, the shark team attaches a SPOT satellite tag. Only the shark team handles this part of the process, ensuring utmost safety for both humans and sharks. Please take a look at sharks we have already successfully satellite tagged; you may track them here.

The onboard events can grow a bit hectic. But we are shark tagging. What else would you expect?

After we pull in our last ten lines and the data is completed, we wash the gear, take a seat, talk about the day, and enjoy the ride back to Diver’s Paradise. Expect to arrive back onshore around 4:30pm. This time depends on how many sharks we catch and which site we visit. In this adventure, you never know what can happen – that’s the best part!

NOTE: The weather does not always cooperate and can be rough. Please take precaution with sea sick pills and bring a foul weather jacket just in case. Also, please remember this is an actual research trip, and we may see many sharks, or none at all. Cross your fingers though!

Checklist

THE DETAILED TO-DO’S:

Complete the forms and waivers packet for each participant and give them to SRC staff when you arrive. Diver’s Paradise waivers HERE. Field School waivers HERE.

Groups are charged a $500 non-refundable downpayment to secure a trip date, and billed for the remainder once a final head count is received. Make checks payable to the University of Miami (“Shark Research & Conservation Program; in the memo line) and mail to:

* Please note there is a maximum of 20 total participants (including chaperones)

Consider adopting a shark that you can satellite tag while on the boat. You could name it after your school, group, family member, etc

PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY:

SRC has a strict no photo/video policy. This measure is in place to ensure the safety of participants onboard. If a student or participant is focused on taking a photo, he or she is not focused on everything else around. Attentiveness is key onboard.

Good news! SRC now provides professional photography free of charge for each trip. A trip photographer will be documenting the day’s activities and participants. She/he will be available to take portraits and other specific photos upon request as well.

The photos will be distributed to you in two forms: (1) an online album of highlights from the day posted on the SRC Facebook Page and (2) a full set of high resolution photographs from the day in a convenient zip file. These links will be emailed to you and/or your group leader within a week of your trip. If you have any questions about this policy or specific trip photos, please contact Dr. Neil Hammerschlag.

WHAT TO BRING:

Enthusiasm!

Closed-toed shoes that can get wet

If special dietary needs, bring snacks & lunch

NO BANANAS PLEASE (they’re bad luck on boats)

Reusable water bottle

Sun/Rain Protection, when applicable

Sea sick pills (Bonine often induces the least drowsiness)

Optional — Swimsuit & Snorkel Gear (for the occasional opportunity to get in the water)

‘Like’ SRC on Facebook. We encourage all trip participants to ‘tag’ themselves in photos, comment on their most memorable moments from the trip, and stay in touch.

Share your experience with others! Create a shark conservation presentation for one of your classes. Write about the most interesting and surprising things you’ve learned. Wear SRC apparel to spark conversation. Start a fundraising movement at your school to adopt a shark.